We built the escape we always wanted.
Ferncrest started with a simple belief: the outdoors should feel welcoming, not intimidating. Here is how it came to be.
Our Story
It started with an idea, in a small mountain town.
Brian and Joanna believed nature should feel welcoming, not intimidating. So they set out to build a stay that blended comfort with the outdoors: simple, thoughtful, and accessible for anyone.
They built the first domes in the forests of Promised Land, Pennsylvania, learned every inch of the land, landscaped pathways, designed the guest experience themselves, and shaped a new approach to outdoor hospitality.
This became the lifeline of Ferncrest: Make nature easy to step into. Make comfort part of the journey. And help others build places that do the same.
A vision takes shape
Ferncrest quickly became more than a location. It became a new way outdoor stays could feel: comfortable, approachable, warm, and rooted in nature.
With that came a bigger idea: Ferncrest could grow not through buildings, but through people who shared the same passion.
Our Journey
From one campground to a growing network.
We acquired a run-down campground in Promised Land, PA with a vision to create something entirely different. What started as a rough property became the foundation for what would become Ferncrest.
We began documenting the entire build process on @findingpromisedland, sharing every step from raw land to finished experience. What started as simple updates quickly grew into a community of hundreds of thousands following along.
Our first location officially opened, welcoming guests into a new kind of outdoor stay. It combined the simplicity of camping with the comfort and design of a boutique hospitality experience.
Ferncrest evolved beyond a place to stay into a fully designed experience. Shared spaces, thoughtful details, and nature-forward amenities began to define what makes a Ferncrest stay feel different.
We expanded Promised Land with six additional dome tents as demand continued to grow. Summer bookings followed, validating the model and showing the appetite for this type of experience.
Ferncrest expanded beyond Pennsylvania with the opening of our first franchise location. It marked the beginning of growing the brand into new landscapes and communities.
We hosted our first Discovery Day, inviting future owners to experience Ferncrest firsthand. It gave people a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and run a campground like this.
Momentum accelerated as we signed 10 franchise agreements in a single season. The vision for Ferncrest quickly expanded into a growing network of future locations.
We opened Ferncrest Acadia, bringing the brand to one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in the country. Each new location continues to reflect its surroundings while staying true to the Ferncrest experience.
Ferncrest Chambers Creek opened in Texas, continuing the expansion into new regions. What started as a single campground is now growing into something much bigger.
The People Behind Ferncrest
Built by hand. Shaped by heart.
Brian
Co-Founder
The builder behind Ferncrest. Brian designed and constructed the first domes, carved the pathways, and shaped the guest experience from the ground up. He believes the best hospitality is the kind you can feel the moment you arrive.
Joanna
Co-Founder
The heart of the brand. Joanna shaped the warmth guests feel at every touchpoint — from the soft linens to the curated camp store. She believes comfort and nature aren't opposites; they belong together.
The Network
Independently owned. Connected by craft.
Ferncrest is a brand, but every Ferncrest property is independently owned and operated by people who love the land they're on. Promised Land was the first. Every property since has been built and run by an owner who shapes their own hospitality, sets their own pace, and brings their own character to the place.
Our team works alongside each owner — building together, planning together, swapping notes between properties. The Ferncrest brand is the connective tissue. The owners are the soul of every property you visit.
What we believe
Connection Over Convenience
We build places that bring people closer — to each other and to nature. Every detail is designed to create moments, not just amenities.
Nature Without Compromise
The outdoors shouldn't mean giving things up. We blend the best of nature with the comforts that make travel feel easy and restorative.
Hospitality That Feels Like Home
From the moment you arrive, everything should feel simple and warm. No friction, no fuss — just the kind of welcome that makes you want to come back.
Come see what we're building.
Every Ferncrest location has its own story. Find the one that feels like yours.
Explore Our Locations